Camping season is sneaking up on us, and if you plan to go camping at Ontario Parks this year, you best not wait too long to secure your spot.
There are over 100 provincial parks with camping available in Ontario, but at the province’s most popular destinations, spots are booking up quickly.
Ontario Parks says that over 50% of reservations that are made by the end of March are for their most popular campsites.
The most popular destinations include:
- Bon Echo
- Algonquin
- Sandbanks
- Killbear
- Pinery
Although these spots tend to book up quickly, there are many other destinations that are equally as scenic and also lesser-known.
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For example, those that aren’t able to secure a spot at Bon Echo can reserve a campsite at Charleston Lake, which offers “excellent swimming, boating, fishing, wildlife viewing, and hiking.”
When Algonquin is full, Ontario Parks says visitors can try Lake St. Peter or Bonnechere.
Alternatives to Sandbanks include Darlington and Ferris Provincial Park, which is known for its spectacular suspension bridge.
Instead of Killbear, visitors can reserve a spot at Restoule or Sturgeon Bay.
And as an alternative to Pinery, campsites can be booked at Point Farms Provincial Park, which is similar to Pinery but without the crowds.
It’s worth noting that camping at Ontario Parks will be different this year.
Effective this season, the maximum length of time for a campsite will be reduced at the popular parks mentioned above.
This initiative is allow more people the chance to enjoy these destinations.
Maximum stays will be capped at seven or 14 nights during the camping season compared to the previous 23 nights.
If you want to plan ahead, Ontario Parks told Curiocity in an email that the “book early” window is typically five months in advance.
If you take a look online, you’ll see that there is already limited availability for the July and August long weekends, especially at parks along Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Georgian Bay.
The key is to book early (or last-minute), reserve a spot during the week, or head further north, says Ontario Parks.
So there you have it, campers! Now all that’s left to do is to book your site and count down the days.
